UPSA to take steps to ensure closure of filing station

Accra, Oct 10, GNA – The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) says it is taking steps to ensure the closure of Strategic Energies Limited Fuel Service Station (SEL), which is sited behind the northern end of the Campus.

A statement issued by Mr J. S. K. Agbenyo, UPSA Director of Public Affairs, and copied to the Ghana News Agency on Tuesday said the UPSA, since April 2016, had protested the sitting of Strategic Engergies Limited Fuel Service Station (SEL) behind the northern end of the Campus.

It said this station was behind the University’s 6,000 capacity lecture hall complex, which houses offices of lecturers and lecture halls.

It said it was also directly behind our 4,000 capacity auditorium under construction, which would be open to the University and the public for functions in future.

“It must be noted that the UPSA also petitioned the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) over the granting of permit and non involvement of a major stakeholder like UPSA before permission was granted for the construction of this filing station,” it said.

The statement said the University before and after completion of the said station has had communications with EPA and owners of the filling station.

“The University has noted the responses from both parties at the service station has met all the necessary requirements and poses no threat to the University,” it stated.

It said following the weekend’s gas explosion at Atomic Junction in Accra in which seven people have been confirmed dead while 132 had been injured.

It said Management was renewed in its drive to find a lasting solution to the serious threat the station posses to life and property on campus and its environs.

“In the next few days, the University will take a number of steps to bring closure to this issue by petitioning all relevant authorities so as to avert any imminent danger that the sitting of this station poses to our students, staff, the University Community and the surrounding residents,” it said.

“The University wishes to take this opportunity to advice students who embarked on a demonstration on Monday, October 9, to remain calm while a lasting solution is being found to this problem,” the statement said.